Mr. Jim Gibson:

As a qualified social worker with so many years practice that I do not want to disclose them, my view is that there was a problem when we adopted a very process-driven UK system, which was oriented very much towards form filling and assessments without necessarily having a good engagement with children, young people and their families in a community context. I believe strongly in the practice model we have adopted which involves a strength-based approach built on good relationships with children, young people and their parents. It has changed the whole dynamic in Ireland having regard to our approach to child protection and welfare.